Which Way, L.A.?
Criticism of Israel: When Does Free Speech Become Anti-Semitism?
Heated clashes over Israeli policies toward the Palestinians have led to accusations of bigotry at American colleges, including campuses of the University of California. Now the Regents are being asked to adopt the US State Department's definition of anti-Semitism. Is it a fair standard for discipline or a limitation on free speech? We hear a debate.
Heated clashes over Israeli policies toward the Palestinians have led to accusations of bigotry at American colleges, including campuses of the University of California. Now the Regents are being asked to adopt the US State Department's definition of anti-Semitism. Is it a fair standard for discipline or a limitation on free speech? We hear a debate.
Also, anti-oil activists react to this week's spill in Santa Barbara.
Photo: Casey Premoshis
In this episode
2 storiesSpill Clean-up and Public Reaction in Santa Barbara
One official calls this week's oil spill "a worst-case scenario nightmare" for Santa Barbara, which has been ground zero for environmentalism since the massive oil-derrick blowout of 1969. The US Coast Guard is trying to manage public expectations for cleaning up, but KCRW's Saul Gonzalez has found that activists are impatient.
Read the story5 minCriticism of Israel: When Does Free Speech Become Anti-Semitism
The so-called BDS movement — to Boycott, Divest and Sanction Israel — has growing support on college campuses, especially since last year's conflict in Gaza. On all campuses of the University of California there have been verbal clashes.
Read the story19 min